When you think about music related to mothers, you might think of A Lullaby by Johannes Brahms. Or, you might think of the Mother Goose Suite by Maurice Ravel. But many people, when asked about classical music for Mother’s Day, will pick Songs My Mother Taught Me — either the well-known selection by Czech Antonin Dvořák or the more recent composition by American composer Charles Ives.

Dvořák’s piece is actually the fourth of seven songs in his Gypsy Songs collection, Opus 55. It dates from 1880, whereas Ives’ song is a stand-alone piece that came along 15 years later. Both pieces are set to a poem by the German Adolf Heyduk, translated as follows:

Songs my mother taught me, in the days long vanished;
Seldom from her eyelids were the teardrops banished.
Now I teach my children, each melodious measure.
Oft the tears are flowing, oft they flow from my memory’s treasure.

If this sounds a little too sad or “blue” for your particular Mother’s Day celebration, don’t fret: many classical collections have been recorded over the years with more cheerful themes as “gifts for Mom.” Minnesota Public Radio, in one noted example, has a playlist they’re calling a Mother’s Day “bouquet”—including such pieces as the “Floral Duet” from Lakme. And, if you’re thinking “florally,” Waltz of the Flowers can round out the bouquet in grand style!

Whatever your mood for Mother’s Day—whether it’s a poignant one on which you miss a mother who’s gone, or a happier one on which you get together with your mom or someone who’s been like a mom to you—there’s probably a piece of classical music to suit it. Search in your favorite “musical places” and you just might find a piece that becomes a new tradition for your mom’s special day.

Thanks Yoke! That's a very nice composition. I like it. Thank you also for the free piano sheet music you provided for us.

Ashton Date 5/27/2012 6:25:36 AM

Your Mother's Day composition is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for the resources you've provided on your website. I always wanted to learn piano but never had a teacher in my small town so the summer before I began college I started researching to teach myself. Three years later I am still a beginner but learning much and your tips have helped since I found this website last week. Thank you Yoke Wong!

Ric StevensDate 5/9/2013

Thank you very much for the sheet music and the thoughts

LilyDate 5/9/2013

Thank you so much for teaching me. I can get my mom a present and something I can aford

claudiaDate 5/9/2013

thank you for this beautiful song

ShelleyDate 5/9/2013

Thank you for this beautiful song, but I cannot open the sheet music to print?

SusieDate 5/9/2013

Thank you, this is beautiful!

BessDate 5/9/2013

Thank you very much .

bob maineyDate 5/10/2013

Yoke
You are very thoughtful to send me the music for Carnations. Since my Mom is no longer with us, I will do my best to play it for my Bride of 50 Years. I am enjoying your program. Thanks again.

Cecilio Date 5/10/2013

Ms. Wong, your Mother's Day composition of "My Carnations" is very beautiful. I taught myself to play piano by reading music books, watching you play in your video website and playing chords just like those shown in Fake Books. Since your printout has no chords, it is a challenge on my part to identify those accompanying chords to complete your song. Thank you for sharing your composition.

edwinDate 5/11/2013

thanks for that beautiful sound, i will play that for my mom and wife.

Caitlin Date 5/11/2013

That is a lovely piece and thanks for the sheet music I get playing

Oreva LessoDate 5/11/2013

Yoke,
Thanks for all the freebies I've been getting from your newsletters , including this one. Sorry I haven't been so responsive lately to your mails, but I assure you that I have benefited so much from your teaching. I'm doing much better at recognizing intervals - thanks to your tips and software aids.
Really wish I could support you more...
God Bless You,
- Oreva

bbawcfDate 5/13/2013

Thank You very much for the sheet music . Love it !

BettyDate 6/23/2013

This song is absolutely beautiful. It touches my heart very deeply. I love all the songs you have composed, but "My Carnations" is my favorite. I would like to have a copy but could not get it to print.

SnowballDate 5/7/2014

Beautiful! Thank you soooo much! This is a good idea for a Mother's Day gift.

Cricket CohenDate 5/7/2014

Thanks for this Mother's Day song. It's beautiful! It is not too "sad" or "blue" for me it is a perfect fit. My Mom was born in England in 1903 & lived to be 80. I keep a photo of her that I put in front of me on Mother's Day & on her birthday. This year I will play this video for her as I remember her on Mother's Day. Thanks! - Cricket

Davidson NirinaDate 5/7/2014

Thank you for this beautifull song, I like it very match and want to offer it to my mother who i've lost for a long time. It'll be my mother's day bouquet. I think she'll sing there when I play.
Thanks
Davidson Nirina

nickDate 5/7/2014

Thank you a lot for what you have taught us so far.
I presume myself being in intermediate level i know how to play by sight reading .I know how to analyze the international chords e.g C,D,A,CM ,AM7 ,etc for the left hand ,but i don't know how to play them as a separate fingering ,as playing in piano
since i got used to playing in keyboard (harmonium).In case when the notes for the left hand are given in a sheet music
I find difficult to increase speed and play it properly.Alternatively I would like to play using left hand notes improvised by me.Expecting your advice,
thank you once more

PamelaDate 5/7/2014

Thank you for such beautiful music , I do appreciate the thought , and I love the song , to you yoke Wong,
May your days be blessed.

RobertDate 5/7/2014

Thank you very much for the sheet music and music lessons.

YewDate 5/8/2014

Hi Yoke, Beautiful song - I love it on hearing you play! I'll certainly want to learn how to play it. Thank you for all your guidance!

AmethystDate 5/8/2014

Thank you so much for this beautiful music!! I hope you also have a happy Mother's Day. (Hong Kong, CHINA)

Anne SearlsDate 5/9/2014

Thanks for this beautiful song Yoke. I will play it Sunday at the 2 churches that I play for and I'm sure everyone will love it.

PaulDate 5/12/2014

Hi Yoke,iam very happy for the sheet of your beautiful song. Thank you very much.